Le Grand Ecran - An exploration of French-language Films

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Product Description

Learning a language is just as much about learning about culture as it is about learning key vocabulary and grammar aspects. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find ways to support communicative language objectives while providing opportunities for students to explore the culture of the target language. This activity encourages intermediate and senior French language students to explore the wide world of French-language films while supporting both of these objectives – an exploration of culture as revealed by film as well as support in developing communicative learning objectives related to describing objects/people and expressing/sharing opinions.

By establishing general criteria, this activity allows students the freedom to explore various French-language films in order to find a film which appeals to their interests. Students then work with a partner to watch the film and later present an overview and critique to the class. As the class watches the various presentations, each student completes a log sheet to record the name of the film presented as well as his or her general reaction (i.e. Est-ce que ce film m’intéresse ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?). This project can be incorporated as part of a film festival which culminates a larger unit or continued throughout the semester/year as a weekly activity hosted by students.

The best part? By the end of the unit/semester/year, students have a great list of French-language films to check out which have been vetted by their peers!

Big Ideas:
- Acquiring a language provides us with new opportunities to appreciate and value creative works and cultural diversity.

Curricular Competencies:
- Locate and explore a variety of online media in French
- Narrate stories orally and in writing (using transitional words, common expressions of time, and present, past and future timeframes)
- Express the degree to which they like or dislike objects and activities (ex. J’aime, J’aime bien, J’adore, Je n’aime pas, Je n’aime pas du tout, Je déteste)
- Express opinions on familiar topics
- Appreciate that there are regional variations in French (ex. idiomatic expressions)
- Recognize how cultural identity is expressed through Francophone texts and creative works